Using the 2.4 and 5GHz bands

Your Wifi point(s) keeps it simple by automatically choosing the band that gives you the best Wi-Fi.

Your Wifi point(s) uses the same name for both the 2.4 and 5GHz band networks. This means your Wi-Fi network uses both radio bands. But keep in mind: while both bands can be used, your personal devices (a smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) will connect to only one radio band at any given time.

This method is different from many routers. Some other routers have two separate Wi-Fi networks (one for the 2.4GHz band and another for the 5GHz band), which require you to manually connect to the band you want. We believe Google Wifi’s method provides a better, easier experience.

One more thing: Every device is different and has its own rules (factoring in signal strength, congestion, etc.) to select the best band. So it’s possible that your phone connects to the 2.4GHz band, while your laptop connects to the 5GHz band. Ultimately, your device will decide which band it will use to connect. But Google Wifi's Band Steering feature will guide your connected devices to the band with the best performance.

How does my device choose a band?

For personal devices that support only the 2.4GHz band (an older phone, for example), it will automatically connect to that band. Most dual band devices that support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz will automatically pick a band based on different factors like signal strength.

Another friendly reminder: Your Wifi point(s) uses the same network name for both the 2.4 and 5GHz bands. We believe this simplifies the Wi-Fi experience.

Can I force a device to connect to a specific band?

It depends on the device. Some Android devices allow users to specify the band. If your device allows this: